Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips!
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Question from Eric G.: I read your post about adding USB 3.0 ports to a PC that only has USB 2.0 on it. I’d like to do that but I have a question first.
My Gateway DX4860 desktop computer has two USB 2.0 ports on the front of the case. If I install a USB 3.0 expansion card will it add USB 3.0 to the front of my computer too or just on the back?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
By now you’re probably aware that SpaceX has become a major player in the world of space exploration with their successful collaboration on several projects with NASA.
But did you know they’re also preparing to make super-high-speed Internet available to the masses, regardless of where they might happen to live?
Once completed, SpaceX’s Starlink network of thousands of Internet-relaying satellites will be capable of supplying super-fast, low-latency broadband Internet to virtually any point on the Earth’s surface. [Read more…]
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Question from Josh E.: I need to buy an external hard drive for my laptop. My friend wants to sell me a used, but working 1TB USB 2.0 drive for $5.
That’s plenty big enough for my needs and I really like the price, but if my laptop has USB 3.0 ports I’ll probably just go ahead and buy a new USB 3.0 drive to take advantage of the faster speed.
The problem is I don’t know whether the USB ports on my laptop (HP Pavilion dv3510nr) are USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports. How can I find out?
Also, do you recommend that I buy this external drive even if my laptop supports USB 3.0?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
Question from Dreanna: I know that you know a lot about Facebook Rick, so I thought I’d see if you can help me with a problem I’m having.
Someone keeps hacking into my account and posting personal stuff about me that just a handful of people could possibly know about.
I’ve changed my password several times but they keep breaking into my account anyway.
I’m certain it’s my ex doing this, but I’d like to be able to prove it because I have a protective order that bars him from contacting me in any way. I live in Florida but he moved to Arizona a few months ago.
I really need this info but I really can’t afford to hire a private investigator.
Can I maybe get a list of the IP addresses of everyone who has logged into my Facebook account and prove he’s doing it by tracing one of those IP addresses to his home in Arizona? Or maybe there’s a better way?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
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Question from Bryan P.: Hi Rick. I found your blog while Googling the answer to a question I have about laptops.
I couldn’t find a clear, straight-forward answer so I hope you can answer it for me.
I’ve been looking online for a new gaming laptop because the one I had (and loved) got stolen a few days ago.
It’s been several years since I’ve shopped for a new computer and I’m seeing something that’s confusing me.
I really like this laptop that I found on Amazon. The sales page says it has both a 256 GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive.
Could that really be true? I thought laptops only came with one drive since they’re so cramped for space.
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]